Professor Logan has long held a research focus on medical anthropology,
with a concentration on ethnomedicine and medicinal botany. He has
worked in the American Southwest, Mexico, Guatemala, Brazil, and India.
Students under his direction have completed theses and dissertations on
various topics pertaining to culture and health, ones ranging from
helminthic parasitization in Mexico to spiritist healing in Brazil.
Pictured to the left is the blossom of “Macpalxochitl” (Chiranthodendron
pentadactylum), which was used by the 16th century Aztec as a tonic for
the heart and blood. Peoples in Mexico today use it for the same
purpose. Laboratory tests have demonstrated that this plant reduces
serum cholesterol levels and improves cardiac-pulmonary capacity.
Students with interests in the anthropology of health are encouraged to
apply to our graduate program. Funding opportunities for students in
cultural anthropology are excellent.